by Shannon Moreau Gardening is the perfect union of science based growing and anecdotal evidence. I have been stumped many times by plants that performed differently than they were supposed to “on paper.” So where do we draw the line between what sounds too good to be true and actual fantasy? Let’s tackle a few of the most common myths about plant care and gardening to see where the truth lies. Roses can be rooted in potatoes It’s safe to say that we’ve all seen the quick craft videos or dozens of gardening blogs featuring this propagation method for roses. The basic idea is to take a cutting ..read more

by Alex Tisthammer Demeter, Boboli Gardens, Florence. Dimitris Kamaras from Athens, Greece, via Wikimedia Commons Fall always feels like a magical time, the leaves are changing brilliant colors around us and gently falling to the earth, even the air seems to be yellow. The potency of this season makes it hard to ignore the importance and beauty of the natural world around us, how it makes us feel, or what a single flower or fallen leaf can invoke in us. Thus, it comes as no surprise that plants have always held a deeper meaning for humans, even more so in the past. Gardens and the majority of ..read more

By Shannon Moreau Fall brings cooler nights, apple picking, and giant vegetables—specifically pumpkins! Giant pumpkins are a big part of October, even outside of the plant community – just look to Halloween Town and Peanuts. Don’t be fooled by Charlie Brown, though. Gigantic pumpkins are the real deal and can be found at giant pumpkin weigh-offs held around the globe and they are a staple in many state fairs and fall festivals.  Here at Fort Collins Nursery we are preparing for our 15th annual Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off & Fall Jamboree, a contest sanctioned by the Great Pumpkin Commonwe ..read more

by Shannon Moreau Location: Old Town Fort Collins, CO 80524 Cost: Free! The flower beds and containers in historic Old Town Fort Collins provide an abundance of inspiration in both their annual plant combinations and the color options they display. Each swath of greenery softens the corners, brings life to alleyways between streets, and reflects the businesses and people of our community. I love the fact that some of the containers have even been painted by local artists, similar to the pianos found around the city.  Who does it? The City of Fort Collins Parks Department is the driving f ..read more

by Shannon Moreau The sweetest part of summer is finally here–it’s peach season! Midsummer brings loads of pop up tents to roadsides and growers to farmers markets with delicious peaches from western Colorado, with Palisade peaches enjoying particular fame. Fortunately we can also grow peaches here in Fort Collins and in other areas in Northern Colorado.  Two women in a Palisade, Colo. peach orchard. Photographed by George L. Beam circa 1910-1919. Peach production has a long history in Colorado. After all, Georgia isn’t the only Peach state. The history of Palisade’s peach production dat ..read more

By Shannon Moreau  It’s time to start thinking about Japanese Beetles and what options you have to prevent them or deal with them once they appear in your garden. While this invasive species may have come onto our radar in Northern Colorado fairly recently, Japanese beetles have actually been in North America for roughly 100 years. They first appeared in New Jersey and have slowly made their way throughout North America. These hungry beetles enjoy a wide variety of plants and can cause some serious damage at both their larval and adult stages if they are left to flourish unchecked. There ..read more

by Laurel Aiello The Fourth of July is full of excitement and color, with red, white, and blue flags, streamers, fireworks, and sweet treats adding to the festivities. Flower pots bursting with patriotic blooms can also bring color to your patio for guests to enjoy as you grill burgers or watch the parades go by. Here are some of our favorite annual flowers to decorate with on Independence Day. Fiery Red Annuals Bright red blooms are the star of any Fourth of July flower display, standing out against a backdrop of white and blue blooms that balance their heat. Red Diana and Coronet dianthus a ..read more

by Laurel Aiello Annuals paint our landscapes with vibrant colors and textures that are only available in the warm months, breathing new life into flower beds, rock gardens and outdoor planters. There are so many plants to choose from when designing an annual garden, and since we don’t have to worry about overwintering them, the possibilities are nearly endless. PLANNING OUT YOUR SPACE Before visiting us and grabbing all the annuals that catch your eye, take a moment to assess your space. Is there a designated spot in your garden for bedding plants? Are you planting annuals in the ground, or ..read more

By Alex Tisthammer It is such a joy when all the daffodils, crocus and tulips start to pop up in the spring, especially this year, after such a long and cold winter. When they start to pop up I find myself thinking, why didn’t I plant some in my yard? Luckily, I don’t need to kick myself too hard for this slip up, because summer bulb season is right around the corner!  There are a plethora of spring-planted summer bulbs you can plant to elevate your garden or patio. Elephant ears, cannas, and calla lilies can give your shady patio a tropical feel, while dahlias, gladiolus, lilies, and ere ..read more

Our need for plants is written into our human DNA, and the joy they bring us is undeniable. For some of us, plants are a pleasant background, for others, a borderline obsession! But what exactly is it that draws us to plants and makes them so important to our well-being? The short answer is that plants provide economic, environmental and health benefits that sustain life on Earth. Let’s take a look at some of these benefits to us and our world. An obvious benefit of plants is that they are aesthetically pleasing. We love the beauty of brightly colored flowers, the inviting shade cast by a tre ..read more